Editor’s note: The union college benefit detailed in this story is an earlier version of the benefit that allowed members to access degree programs at no out-of-pocket cost. This benefit has since been revised to become a discount college benefit through Union Plus. Visit cseany.org/mb to learn more.
Kiernan
CARMEL — Because of her CSEA membership, Putnam County Unit member Ann Kiernan recently completed her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
She was able to realize her years-long dream of furthering her education due to our union’s college benefit.
Kiernan, a social services specialist 1 at Putnam County Department of Social Services, helps administer SSI SNAP and HEAP programs for county residents who qualify.
About seven years ago, she took advantage of our union’s college benefit and enrolled at Eastern Gateway Community College (EGCC) for online classes at no out-of-pocket cost.
Kiernan earned an associate degree in criminal justice in June 2020, graduating via a Zoom ceremony due to COVID social distancing regulations.
As she was completing her degree, she learned of an opportunity to complete her bachelor’s degree online at no out-of-pocket cost through Franklin University.
“I wasn’t going to move on [with my education],” said Kiernan. “I was just going to complete my college degree that I started 30 years ago.”
Kiernan enrolled at Franklin University, continuing to take classes online.
“I decided to continue to grow my career in public service,” said Kiernan. “In order to advance in my career and move up, I needed a bachelor’s degree. That was the main reason I continued on through my union benefit to obtain my bachelor’s degree.”
Kiernan noted that her journey was “wild,” due to taking several classes each semester along with working full time, raising two children and teaching religious education classes.
“Many times, I wanted to quit but my co-workers were so supportive,” said Kiernan. “My kids were also my biggest supporters.”
Due to U.S. Department of Education rules regarding the Pell Grant program, AFSCME revised the college program in 2023 to become a discount college benefit.
Kiernan, like other students already enrolled in the previous program, had been grandfathered into the previous benefit through this year and worked hard to finish her degree while she was eligible for a no-cost benefit.
“I did not pay a dime, not even for my cap and gown,” said Kiernan.
Recently, Kiernan and her children traveled to the Franklin University campus in Columbus, Ohio, where she graduated, cum laude, on stage along with 1,100 other students wearing that cap and gown. She even got an opportunity to meet several of her classmates, many of whom were also union members or eligible family members from across the country who were using the college benefit.
“Everyone who took classes [through this benefit]was so appreciative of this opportunity,” said Kiernan. “It was difficult, but we did it.”
Now that her bachelor’s degree is complete, Kiernan said she is interested in seeing where her education takes her, including possibly taking civil service exams to advance in her career.
“I’m looking to grow, advance and move up in my career,” said Kiernan. “If it was not for our union and this benefit, I would have never gone back to college. I am so grateful and so happy that I took full advantage of this.”
— Janice Gavin
